Injuries to the head: Classifications, signs, origins, and initial care measures
In the realm of health and wellbeing, one topic that demands our attention is concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can occur due to various events, such as an object hitting the head, falling from a great height, gunshot wounds, or violent shaking of the head.
Concussions can present a wide array of symptoms, both physical and cognitive. Physically, people often experience headache, neck pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light or sound, fatigue, and sometimes fever. Cognitive symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, and changes in attention. Behavioural or emotional changes such as irritability, mood swings, sadness, and anxiety are also common. Sleep disturbances, including trouble falling asleep or sleeping more than usual, can occur as well.
In infants and toddlers, symptoms may be different, such as refusing to eat, excessive crying, irritability, lethargy, or clumsiness.
Diagnosis of concussions typically involves a clinical evaluation rather than reliance on imaging. Doctors assess patient history of head trauma or jolt to the head, observe symptoms such as loss of awareness, confusion, cognitive changes, and physical signs like headache and dizziness. Mental status examinations to assess cognitive function, attention, memory, and balance are also conducted. Doctors monitor for worsening or delayed symptoms over hours to days after injury and rule out more severe brain injuries.
Mild head injuries can be treated at home with a cold pack and Tylenol, but it's best to avoid NSAIDs unless prescribed by a doctor. However, anyone with symptoms of a severe head injury, such as significant bleeding, passing out and not waking up, having a seizure, problems with vision, taste, or smell, difficulty staying alert or awake, clear fluid or blood coming out of the ears or nose, weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, and confusion, should call 911 or their local emergency number immediately.
Preventing head injuries is crucial. Wearing a seatbelt, helmet, and following safety precautions when playing contact sports can significantly reduce the risk. In the first 24 hours after a mild head injury, it's essential to ask someone to check on you regularly.
It's vital to remember that even if an injury initially appears to be a minor bump to the head, it's crucial to know about the signs of a concussion and seek medical advice if symptoms develop. A concussion is a form of TBI that temporarily stops the brain from functioning normally. If symptoms of a mild head injury last for more than two weeks, a person should seek medical advice.
Lastly, the severity of an intracranial haematoma (ICH), a common complication of TBIs, depends on its size and location in the brain. It's a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Stay informed, stay safe, and remember, your brain is worth protecting.
- In the field of health-and-wellness, medical-conditions like intracranial haematoma, a complication of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), necessitate our attention.
- Concussions, a type of TBI, can result from various events such as an accident and falls, object hits, or violent shaking of the head.
- Predictive symptoms of concussions include physical issues like headache, neck pain, dizziness, nausea, and cognitive problems such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
- Behavioural or emotional changes in adults, including irritability, mood swings, sadness, and anxiety, are also common after a concussion.
- In infants and toddlers, symptoms might appear differently, such as refusing to eat, excessive crying, or clumsiness.
- Diagnosing concussions usually involves a clinical evaluation, as doctors monitor for symptoms, changes in mental status, and physical signs.
- Mild head injuries can be managed at home with a cold pack and Tylenol, but severe symptoms like significant bleeding, loss of consciousness, seizures, or vision problems require immediate medical attention.
- Preventive measures, like wearing seatbelts, helmets, and following safety precautions, can help reduce the risk of head injuries, especially in contact sports.
- In the first 24 hours after a mild head injury, it's advisable to have someone check on you regularly.
- It's important to seek medical advice if symptoms of a mild head injury persist for more than two weeks, as a concussion is a form of TBI that temporarily disrupts brain function.
- Neglecting to address symptoms of a concussion could worsen neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS), HIV, epilepsy, or even exacerbate existing mental-health issues.
- Therapies and treatments for concussions may include cognitive behavioural therapy, physical therapy, medication (like Tylenol or CBD oil for migraines), and proper nutrition and exercising, to promote overall fitness-and-exercise and improve health-and-wellness.
